Stated Meeting, March 20, 2025

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania March 20, 2025 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, CHIEF CLERK

Members, please take your seats. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. This Council will now come to order. Asking for all visitors to please retire outside the rails. Before proceeding, I will ask all those present to please set your cell phone to silent or vibrate. Thank you. Please take all conversations outside the Council chambers. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Wilfredo Pedraza of One Cross Church. He is here today as the guest of the leader of the Kensington Caucus, Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada. I will ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests and visitors rise.)

Hello. How y'all doing. God bless, y'all. Let's bow down our heads. Heavenly Father, we give you thanks in the name of Jesus. Father, we ask you to put your covenant over Philadelphia, Father God. Father, we ask you to protect the Council. Father, to protect the Mayor, to protect the City of Brotherly Love, Father God. Father, give them wisdom, give them understanding, Father God. Father God, you picked these people today, Father God, for a reason. It's their season, Father God. We ask in the name of Jesus, Father, to give them peace, to all the strength, to take them up and give them peace and love and understanding, Father God. Father, for they can understand that you picked them for they could be on top and not on the bottom. For they can be in the front and not in the back. For they can be head and not tails. For they can be winners and not losers, Father God. Father God, we ask you in the name of Jesus, Father God, in whatever they sign, Father. Anoint their eyes, Father God, for they can see things that the other people cannot see, Father God. Anoint their ears for they can be able to hear your voice, Father God. When they found themselves in trouble, in danger, whatever, Father God, for they can be able to listen to your voice, Father God. Anoint them. Anoint their mouth, Father God, for they can be bold and they can be able to people do not dare to say, Father God. Father, anoint their hands, Father God. That whatever they sign, Father God, they can receive it by your power, Father God. Use this Philadelphia, Father God, and protect the police of Philadelphia, Father God. Give them wisdom, hallelujah, Father, because they're putting their family to the side for they can protect Philadelphia. Protect all of us, Father God. We give you glory, we give you honor, Father God, because I know that you picked them for this season. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, let the church say Amen. God bless you. (Amen.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: Council will be at ease. The Chair thanks the Pastor for his invocation. (Council at ease.)

The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 13th, 2025. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 13, 2025 be approved. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 13th of 2025 stand approved. All those in favor of by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is the request for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.

The Chair thanks the Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.

On behalf of the Minority party, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.

Thank you very much. The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair now recognizes councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's Council session.

Thank you, Mr. President. that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council, and as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson, may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our great city. We certainly invite you to come again. The Chair acknowledges in the chambers today the Honorable District Attorney Larry Krasner. Thank you for joining us. (Applause.)

The Chair also acknowledges in our chamber today the Honorable Alice Beck, Superior her a round of applause as well. (Applause.)

At this moment the Chair recognizes the gentleman from the 4th Councilmanic District, the Honorable Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.

Thank you, Mr. President. Please join me in recognizing the ambassadors from Roxborough High School who are here to witness democracy at a local level. Please stand. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)

Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones, who will present a the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. - Pennsylvania Chapter on their Annual Legislative Day and for their dedication of advancing gender and racial equity and empowering Black women during Women's History Month. Will Nyisha Chapman, the President, and those accompanying her please join the Councilmember at the podium. Joining Councilmember Jones are the ladies of City Council; Councilmember Kendra Brooks, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, Councilmember Cindy Bass, Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)

So please join me in welcoming the 100 Black Women - Pennsylvania Chapter. (Applause.)

Member Jones.

We have always in this country been led by strong women of color, going back to Sojourner Truth or Harriet Tubman, more recently with the 100th Mayor of the City of Philadelphia as a member. Also in these chambers in honor of Women's History Month, don't forget Dr. Ethel Allen who was the first woman of color -(Applause.)

And Member O'Neill reminds us that she was a Republican and wasn't -

And an At-Large Councilmember.

Okay. for a very long time we've been lucky, fortunate, to be guided by a North Star that women in this country pointed to. To quote the famous American philosopher Beyonce, she asked the question, Who runs the world? (Girls.)

Yes. But on a more serious note, I have always talked to the brothers in the barbershop and said, whoa, we better get our game together because they are running laps around us. If you attend their banquets or luncheons, if you attend -- you're blessed to be able to attend their workshop, they are putting the work in to move us to that North Star as a community, as a city and as a nation. And, therefore, be it another woman.

Well, first thank you so much to my District colleague and member, Councilmember Curtis Jones, for always recognizing the women of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women - Pennsylvania Chapter, which I am proud to be a member of the Coalition joining in '21, so shout-out to '21. But I also wanted to remember and honor the members of Philadelphia City Council who were also members of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women - Pennsylvania Chapter, Marian B. Tasco, the former Councilwoman from the 9th Councilmanic District; my mentor Blondell Reynolds Brown who served At-Large; and also our colleague who you will hear from, Councilmember Cindy Bass serving the 8th District; as well as former 100th Mayor of the City of Philadelphia Cherelle L. Parker. I am so honored and privileged to be a member and today we are honoring and recognizing the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. - Pennsylvania Chapter on our Annual Legislative Day and for our dedication to advancing gender and racial equity and empowering Black women during Women's History Month; Whereas, the Coalition of Black Women was founded and formed in 1970, by 24 visionary Black women, led by Edna Beach, gathered in New York City to address social, economic and political issues impacting their families and communities, giving rise to the Coalition of 100 Black Women, a key organization dedicated racial equity; and -- and also must honor the forever Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell also member of the Coalition; and

Whereas -

Okay.

-under Edna Beach's leadership -yes, it's a brother up here too, Council President. Whereas, under Edna Beach's leadership, the Coalition addressed the root causes of inequality, mobilized Black women who shared their vision, and became a visible force advocating for the empowerment of Black women in both the public and private sectors, of which my beloved wife is of them; and

Smart man, smart man.

And whereas, by 1981, the New York Coalition had over 500 members, and as they gained recognition, they expanded their mission and vision nationwide. On October 24th of that year, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. was formed, with Jewell Jackson McCabe selected as their first National President; and

The Chair also recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau and Nina Ahmad joining.

Whereas, in 1981 Jewel Jackson McCabe encouraged Sylvia Webster of Pennsylvania Chapter to a local chapter. Embracing the idea, Webster chartered the National 100 Black Women, Inc. - Pennsylvania Chapter, with 42 progressive women; and

Whereas, over the years the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. -- PA Chapter (NC100BWPA) has grown to 200 members and has worked tirelessly to advocate for Black women and girls, advancing leadership, development, gender equity and social justice, particularly in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment, while empowering thousands of Black women to lead in their communities, workplaces and beyond; and

And whereas, NC100BWPA continues to be a powerful voice of gender equity and sociopolitical advancement, driving meaningful women and girls. Additionally, NC100BWPA plays a role in fulfilling the National Coalition's vision of a world where socioeconomic inequality -- inequity does not exist for Black women and girls; and

Whereas, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women members consist of a dynamic network of progressive Black women, including physicians, lawyers, educators, entrepreneurs and other skilled professionals who serve as change agents. They have recognized various needs in the Philadelphia community and contributed in ways; including advocating for racial and social justice while striving to create a positive impact in their communities; and

Whereas, NC100BWPA remains committed to mentoring leadership development and fostering future generations of Black women leaders, recognizing that they are essential to leadership continuity and must continue to lead the charge in effecting positive change; and

And whereas, the National Coalition for 100 Black Women - Pennsylvania Chapter's continued success and impact are a testament to the strength, determination and vision of our founders, who have bridged generational gaps, created programs that respond to the unique needs of our communities and maintained a steadfast focus on empowering Black women through advocacy, education and strategic partnerships; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby honors and recognizes the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. - Pennsylvania Chapter for our tireless dedication to advancing gender and racial equity on wavering commitment to the empowerment of Black women and our significant contributions to shaping the future of leadership and advocacy for women of color across the United States of America. Congratulations and thank you, Councilmember Jones. (Applause.)

Mr. President, a special shout-out to Wilhelmina Moore and Charlita Davis who makes me and you buy tables every year. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: The Chair recognizes the President, Council -- President Nyima Chapman -- Nyisha Chapman.

Thank you. Thank you so much. Good morning, Council President Johnson, members of City Council and distinguished guests. On behalf of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Pennsylvania Chapter, I am honored to stand before you today as we recognize our Annual Legislative Day, a day dedicated to uplifting the voices of Black women and advocating for the policies that shape our communities. For over 43 years, our Chapter has worked tirelessly to advocate for equity, economic justice, health, education and civic engagement for Black women and girls in the Philadelphia area and surrounding counties. We know thrive, our families, our neighborhoods and our entire city prospers. Today as we gather in this chamber, we reaffirm our commitment to partnership and progress. We are here to engage, to collaborate and to ensure that the policies crafted within these walls reflect the needs of the people that we serve. This year we are especially focused on key legislative priorities that will impact thousands of Philadelphians, including strengthening economic opportunities for Black-owned businesses by advocating for stronger enforcement of minority participation in City contracts, addressing the affordable housing crisis by supporting policies that expand access and protect renters practices, improving Black maternal health by sustaining and increasing our funding for critical services that support mothers and babies, ensuring educational equity by calling for transparency and reforms in school discipline policies. We believe that these not only are not just -- sorry. We believe these are not just policy issues. These are moral imperatives that demand our collective action. City Council, we thank you for your leadership and your partnership in this work. We look forward to continuing these conversations today and in the weeks and months ahead. Together we can build a Philadelphia that truly reflects equity, access and opportunity for all. We thank you again for this and we look forward to continuing to work with you. (Applause.)

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.

Thank you, Council President. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I'd like you all to help me welcome three guests to chambers today who I'm also recognizing with a privileged resolution later on in session, but wanted to welcome them and thank them publicly for everything they do in our community. That is Elaine Gonzalez Johnson, please stand, Bianca Solari and Coach Zha (Applause.)

Thank you all, ladies. Thank you ladies for changing the community that we all serve.

Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks who will present a resolution recognizing March 20th, 2025 as Children's First Day in the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)

Would Donna Cooper and those accompanying her please join the Councilmember at the podium. Joining Member Brooks are Members O'Rourke, Squilla, Landau, Phillips, Gauthier, Lozada, Gilmore Richardson, Ahmad and Bass. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)

All right. Thank you to my colleagues who are joining me today in celebrating Children First on their 45th birthday. This organization is a driving force beyond so much of the work and progress we've made for young people over the past five decades. From full day kindergarten to SEPTA passes for Philly students, many of the things we take for granted today were made possible through the work of Children First. Year-after-year they have spoken up for Philadelphia's young people, laying out the data, the research and the detailed policy proposals that compel elected leaders to invest in our children. activist, I know these wins are not easy. I have seen Children First take the fight for our children from neighborhood elementary schools all the way to the halls of power in Harrisburg. Every time we've had a win. Children First has been a part of the push that made it happen. Their work has impacted generations of Philadelphians and will continue to brighten the future of generations to come. I'm so glad to have a chance to thank and congratulate Executive Director Donna Cooper and all the folks at Children First for their lasting contributions to the city. Recognizing March 20, 2025 as Children First Day in the City of Philadelphia.

Whereas, in 1978, Christie "Cricket" Hastings, Ruth Madden, Happy Fernandez, Marciene Mattleman, Margaret Estey, Lucy Sayre founded Philadelphia/Public Citizens for Children and Youth, PCCY, to ensure government agencies and nonprofit institutions were fulfilling their responsibilities to improve the lives of the City's youth; and

Whereas, PCCY immediately formed a task force on juvenile justice and has pushed for dozens of reforms over the past 45 years, including leading the 2018 advocacy to create the Youth Residential Placement Task Force established in 2018, and the Youth Ombudsperson's Office created in 2022 that added a layer of protection for children who are institutionalized; and Whereas, PCCY's inaugural report Status of Children and Youth in Philadelphia in 1985, establishing its reputation for basing PCCY's advocacy efforts on strong research and analysis, the 2025 report on the status of children found that 47% of Philadelphia's families need a better partner in government to meet the basic needs for healthy child development of their children; and

These citizen activists pushed to redress the Rizzo administration's legacy of disinvestment in children, including failure to repair playgrounds, reduction in youth programs and hostility toward Black teens who protested for better public schools; and

Whereas, PCCY played a multi-decade role in meeting the health care needs of children, including persuading the City to create three teen-focused health clinics, providing more than 10,000 children free eye exams and dental care, playing a leadership role in the state's enactment of the Children's Health Insurance Program, which is CHIP, in 1992 and its current statewide campaign addressing the needs of 147,000 uninsured children; and Whereas, in 1990 PCCY sought to address the lifetime consequences of childhood lead poisoning, paving the way for City Council to pass groundbreaking legislation lead poisoning prevention ordinances in 2012 and 2018 that reduced childhood more than 50%; and

Whereas, PCCY successfully petitioned to get every city pool open for the summer of 1989 and in 1993 to dramatically expand the summer playstreets program that now provides safe spaces for play and summer meals for children living on nearly 350 blocks in the city; and Whereas, in 1995 Mayor Rendell credited PCCY for convincing him to make full-day kindergarten universally available. Mayor Street in response to a PCCY call to action created the Office of Early Childhood Education in 1999. And in 2022, Mayor Kenney backed the organization's call for universal PreK, paving the way for the Philly PreK program that now serves more than 5000 children; and

Whereas, in 1998 when new stadiums were being constructed, PCCY worked with leaders and Council to ensure that $1 of every ticket sold at new venues would support afterschool programs for children, generating more than $20 million for youth programs; and Whereas, in 2003 PCCY convinced the state that funding rural transit but not Philadelphia school transit was unfair. 65,000 public school students now travel to school for free in Philadelphia just like peers across the state; and

Whereas, PCCY led the effort to amend the Home Rule Charter in 2007 to create the Philadelphia Youth Commission, which continues to give 21 youth leaders and their peers a Council and the Mayor; Whereas, youth and parents call on PCCY to tackle educational quality, making the case to improve reading instruction which calls PCCY to partner with UAC to form the READ by 4th Campaign, and parents and youth demanded access to mental health services for children and youth, a cause now being advanced by the newly-minted Strong Minds Bright Futures Partnership; and

Whereas, PCCY ran successful campaigns to allocate 1% of the sales tax and a portion of the cigarette tax to generate more than $170 million annually for public schools and champion the sweetened beverage tax, which supports 352 Philly PreK programs, paid for the 30 recreation centers with 40 more in the pipeline and funds 20 Community Schools; and Whereas, in 2021 PCCY changed its name to Children First to reinforce its mission of putting children first in public policy and practices. Philadelphia is a better place because of the focused mission and advocacy efforts of Children First; and

Whereas, since 1980 Children First has rallied thousands of parents to call on elected officials to do more to meet the needs of children, helping them make demands on City Council every year and taking bus loads of Philadelphians to Harrisburg; and Whereas, in the last 10 years these advocacy efforts caused to increase investments in Philadelphia's children by more than 2 billion; and

Whereas, since its earliest years the organization benefited from long-serving, visionary and uniquely dedicated leaders starting with Shelly Yanoff who led the charge for children there for 25 years, followed by her successor Donna Cooper who has been here at the helm for 13 dedicated years; now, therefore, be it

Resolved that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby recognizes March 20, 2025, as Children's First Day in Philadelphia. Further resolved that an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Children of gratitude and admiration of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)

Chair recognizes Donna Cooper.

Thank you very much. Especially, thank you Councilperson Brooks, for being the sponsor of this resolution. I've never spoken from this point of view. This is fascinating. I'm usually over there. So I want to say this Council was formed 73 years ago, and this is your I think 19th Councilmanic session. And for two-thirds of the life of this Council, PCCY or Children First has been here working side-by-side with you, and we're grateful to all of your effort to work with us. of us are wearing white sneakers today, and we are doing that because the names that Councilman O'Rourke referenced, they walked these halls with sneakers because they knew the fight for kids had to be tireless and they didn't want their feet to get tired. So today we wear them and we'll probably keep wearing them because it's so much better. Only eight years after we were founded, the great Marian Tasco was elected to this Council. And for 28 years she served on behalf of the citizens of Philadelphia and she and the great Shelly Yanoff were joined at the hip, advancing legislation for kids. And in 2000, another champion for kids was elected, I know Blondell wanted to be here today. She and I spoke last week but she could not come, but together with Marian they were a dynamic duo using every tool in the tool book to pass legislation for kids in every session. And they were helped by Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilperson Happy Fernandez, John Street, Maria Quinones-Sanchez and Helen Gym, all used their positions to help Marian and Blondell make it possible for the great work you heard about in our resolution. We can only do as good as our Councilpersons are. Well, I'm very grateful to this Council for taking the time to call out our accomplishments because I know your schedule is so busy. I want to thank the Council as a body, you for working with us to boldly stand up for children. Your courage and vision has caused stadium owners and landlords and lawyers and insurance companies and large companies, at times a reluctant megger, to stoop down to the eye level of children and from that vantage point see that they have a role in playing to give the children of the city what they need to grow up and run our city and for them to become the stadium owners, the lawyers, the landlords, the insurance companies, the Councilpersons and even the Mayor. That's our goal. From the youth sports leagues that build the leadership that many of you see as how you got your start as young leaders to the superlative high schools that I about, that you graduated from and owe your start, to the protections offered by our health centers and social services that some of you have relied on when things were hard, to the leadership opportunities, even those you created today with the students from Roxborough High that create an opportunity for children to see democracy in action. Children First is grateful for what you do and we stand with you continue to make it possible. And there's so much more we need to do together. We're inspired by the work in this session of Councilpersons Phillips and Landau to give our kids a better second chance and we hope that the great Alice Beck and Larry Krasner will become champions with them in our changes that we hope

Councilperson Gilmore Richardson was the technician who crafted the most protective lead ordinance in the nation and we will rely on her expertise and leadership to do all we can to get that number of children poisoned by lead to zero. We are a partner in this Council with the great persons Councilpersons Brooks and Isaiah Thomas working together to make our schools better and to deliver on educational justice. And we are partners with Councilperson Squilla and our great Council President Kenyatta Johnson, who champion the need to give every child in this city access to great high-quality PreK. These Councilpersons do what they do because they have the cooperation and support of all of not doing this alone and we know that we have you as our partners. We are deeply grateful to each of you, every one of you members of Council. And as Shelly Yanoff would say at the close of every day, I hope you will continue and we will all continue to ask ourselves what are we doing for kids today. Thank you.

Thank you. (Applause.)

With the permission of the Council President, I am very grateful to introduce Jasmine Jones to you, one of our parent -

(Inaudible).

Sorry?

(Inaudible).

Huh?

(Gestured).

Yeah. Jasmine to you, my apologies. And because she's a parent advocate and what we're doing, we do with parents every day in the city and I hope you listen to her carefully. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Jasmine Banks, and I am a grateful Children's First parent advocate. I am also a person who has raised 15, yes, 1-5 children, and I have adopted five older sons. So I stand here today before you as an at-risk parent during Women's History Month to honor and acknowledge one of the most amazing and influential organizations in my life, that being Children's First, a powerful organization which is celebrating 45 years of supporting youth like mine. And I happen to agree with former Philadelphia Mayor and Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell who said that Donna Cooper, the powerful Executive Director of Children's First, is the conscience and soul of his administration. However, I'd like to add and I strongly believe that many other Children's First parent advocates would agree with me that the entire hard-working, dedicated and committed staff at Children's First under the leadership of Donna Cooper collectively are the conscience and soul of all parents in Philadelphia. In short, I say this because they are also approachable, courageous, ethical, inspiring, serves as role models, teachers and most impressive to me is that they are also integrative, always involving parents and caregivers in all of their initiatives and connecting us to opportunities to learn, grow, heal and serve. And it is these combined qualities that places them into a league of their own, causing them to stand out from other nonprofits and community-based organizations. And despite all of these attributes and all of these years of dedicated service to our youth, they and now we, since I am now a part of Children's First forever, continue to face tremendous resistance with providing basic and essential, dedicated funding to support our most vulnerable youth, like maintaining the soda tax for example. However, I assure you that we will not give up nor will we go away. Although the struggle continues, victory is certain. Thank you for allowing me to share. (Applause.)

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Before we move on to the next order of business, the Chair wants to acknowledge the birthday of our colleague Councilmember Jim Harrity. Give him a round of applause. (Applause.)

And Councilmember Mike Driscoll. Give him a round of applause. (Applause.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: And also, Mike Driscoll's dad turns 101 years old today. (Applause.)

That's them good genes. Happy birthday members. The next order of business is Communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeantat-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Will -

To the President -- sorry, go ahead.

Will the Chief Clerk please read the message from the Mayor and any other communication in her possession.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am submitting of your Honorable body the following proposed ordinance repealing in their entirety the following ordinances, all approved on December 23, 2024: Bill No. 240966 (granting the necessary authorizations for the City to help facilitate development of a new arena for the Philadelphia 76ers); Bill No. 240967 (authorizing the execution of a Service Agreement between the City and PAID); and Bill No. 240968 (authorizing the striking of Filbert Street from 10th Street to 11th street from the City Plan); Bill No. 240969 (authorizing striking certain aerial portions of 10th Street between Market Street and Filbert Street from the City Plan); Bill No. 240970 (authorizing the construction and maintenance of the vicinity of the proposed arena); Bill No. 240963 (amending the existing Gallery of Market East Tax Increment Financing District in the area of the proposed arena); and Bill No. 240973 (approving the amendment of a Neighborhood Improvement District in the area of the proposed arena); and An ordinance repealing in its entirety Bill No. 240972 (approved December, 23 2024) entitled "An Ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising certain provisions of Section 14-906, entitled "Market Street East Sign Regulations," all under certain terms and conditions;" and An ordinance repealing in its entirety Bill No. 240971 (approved December 23, 2024) entitled "An Ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending certain definitions relating to signs; creating an "Arena Area" with the "/CTR, Center City Overlay District" overlay; and making related changes, including a master plan requirement and changes to accessory sign controls, all in connection with the zoning rules for a proposed Arena in Center City; and approving a master plan for the Arena Area, all under certain terms and conditions;" and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 708 North Sedgwick Street, 710 North Sedgwick Street, 714 and 723 North Sedgwick Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District, in accordance with the 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. And I am pleased to advise you that on March 19, 2025, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on March 6, 2025: Bill Nos. 241081, 241083, 241107, 250002, 250004, 250005, 250006, 250007, 250008, 250009, 250046, 250047, 250048, 250049, 250069 and 250070. Council President, there are no further communications in my possession.

Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.

Thank you, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, members of the viewing public. Today I have no bills or resolutions for introduction today. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Majority Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Nothing today.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

Good morning, Council President. Today I have one non-privileged resolution.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the non-privileged resolution.

A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 708, 710, 714, and 723 North Sedgwick Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public. Today I have three privileged resolutions. Thank you, Council President.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolutions.

A privileged resolution recognizing March as National Nutrition Month in the City of Philadelphia to raise awareness of the importance of nutrition education and healthy eating habits, and to recognize the contributions of veteran community partnership in promoting health and wellness.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution recognizing March 2025 as "Creative and Nighttime Economies and Arts in Education Month" in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold hearings on the status conditions, operations and economic factors at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to ensure the future of this City cornerstone as we prepare to welcome the world in 2026.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the 4th Councilmanic District, Councilmember Curtis Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I introduce one privileged resolution and five non-privileged resolutions on my own behalf.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the privileged and non-privileged resolutions.

A privileged resolution honoring the Victim/Witness Services of South Philadelphia for 35 years of dedicated service to those affected by violence in South Philadelphia and across the City.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution appointing Malika Rahman to the Citizen's Police Oversight Commission.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution appointing Gilberto Gonzalez to the Citizen's Police Oversight Commission.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution appointing Michelle Enix-Kenney to the Citizen's Police Oversight Commission.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.

And a resolution, a non-privileged resolution, appointing LaTanya Whitehead to the Citizen's Police Oversight Commission.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution re-appointing Haakim Peay to the Citizen's Police Oversight Commission.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rue Landau.

Good morning, Council President, colleagues and the public. I have two privileged resolutions and one non-privileged resolution. And I ask to be recognized for just a second on one of the privileged resolutions upon its reading.

The Chair recognizes -the Chair asks the Clerk to please read the titles of the privileged and non-privileged resolutions.

A privileged resolution honoring the life and legacy of the honorable Phyllis W. Beck, retired judge of the Superior Court, who was a treasured member of the Philadelphia legal community, philanthropist, trailblazer and mentor.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.

Thank you so much, Council President. I just wanted to take one moment to recognize the life and legacy of Judge Phyllis Beck. She was a trailblazer. She broke so many boundaries and she was a mentor, a friend and just an incredible colleague of the legal community. She was a mentor of mine. I was a Beck Fellow when I taught at Temple Law School. We're so honored to have her daughter here, Judge Alice Beck Dubow, as well as her niece -(Applause.)

-and so many of her friends as well who we'll hear during public comment. Thank you so much for that moment.

You're welcome. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

A privileged resolution declaring March 17th through March 21st, 2025, as National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution condemning President Donald J. Trump and his administration for their decision to suspend incomedriven student loan repayment plans and for politicizing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to target advocates working to oppose his anti-immigrant, anti-trans and anti-free speech agenda.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.

Thank you, Council President. Bienvenidos a todos. Today I offer one privileged resolution.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing women in the City of Philadelphia who are leading impactful initiatives in health, wellness and fitness that empower, connect and uplift women.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the 5th Councilmanic District, Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.

Thank you and good morning, Mr. President. Good morning, colleagues. No bills or resolutions today.

Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Minority Councilmember Kendra Brooks.

Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution to introduce today.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring and expressing gratitude to Nicole Bartlett for her work helping grieving families cope with loss and mentoring young women in Philadelphia and across the country on the occasion of Women's History Month.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes the birthday boy Councilmember Jim Harrity.

Council President, I have nothing today.

Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Minority Whip Councilmember Nicholas O'Rourke.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have nothing to introduce today.

The Chair recognizes the next birthday boy Councilmember Mike Driscoll.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution today.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring the dedicated employees of the Philadelphia Gas Works in recognition of Natural Gas Utility Workers' Day on March 18, 2025.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bills.

An ordinance amending Chapter 12-900 ("Parking Regulations and Penalties") and Chapter 12-2800 ("Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations") of The Philadelphia Code, revising penalties related to parking certain large vehicles, including boats, motor homes, house coaches, house trailers, truck campers, recreational cargo trailers and recreational trailers, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 220454), approved November 30, 2022, entitled "An Ordinance Authorizing the vacating of Krewstown Road from Norwalk Road to its terminus southwestwardly therefrom, under certain terms and conditions," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer three bills on your behalf.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bills.

An ordinance repealing in its entirety, Bill No. 240972 (approved December, 23, 2024) entitled "An Ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising certain provisions of Section 14-906, entitled "Market Street East Sign Regulations," all under certain terms and conditions."

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance repealing in its entirety Bill No. 240971 (approved December 23, 2024) entitled "An Ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending certain definitions relating to signs; creating an "Arena Area" within the "Center City Overlay District" overlay; and making related changes, including a master plan requirement and changes to accessory sign controls; all in connection with the zoning rules for a proposed arena in Center City; and approving a master plan for the Arena Area, all under certain terms and conditions."

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance repealing in their entirety the following Ordinances, all approved December 23, 2024: Bill No. 240966 (granting the necessary operations for the City to help facilitate development of a new arena for the Philadelphia 76ers); Bill No. 240967 (authorizing the execution of a Service Agreement between the City and PAID); Bill No. 240968 (authorizing striking Filbert Street from 10th Street to 11th Street from the City Plan); Bill No. 240969 (authorizing striking certain aerial portions of 10th Street between Market Street and Filbert Street from the City Plan); Bill No. 240970 (authorizing the construction and maintenance of various right-of-way encroachments in the vicinity of the proposed arena); Bill No. 240963 (amending the existing Gallery at Market East Tax Increment Financing District in the area of the proposed arena); and Bill No. 240973 (approving the amendment of a Neighborhood Improvement District in the area of the proposed arena).

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. or resolutions this week.

Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.

Good morning, Council President, colleagues. I have no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you very much. The next order of business is reports from committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a report from the Committee on Rules.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.

To the Committee on Rules to which were referred the following bill: Bill No. 240333, an ordinance amending Section 14-533 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Mixed-Income Neighborhoods Overlay District," to update the illustrative maps to reflect recent redistricting changes, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the Committee on Rules, Council President.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of Bill No. -- of the bill just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of this bill just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 2ND READING JOHNSON: Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. This bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committees with suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for the next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on 2ND READING the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.

Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 250221, 240427-AA, 250100 and 250147. The following bills and resolutions on the Calendar are being held: 250168 and 240665. 250066 is being amended.

Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hasson at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters each will have three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session-to-session. Due to today's volume, the time limit will be two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the two-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow, which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once two minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not already done so. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same subject matter. I would now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.

Judge Alice Beck Dubow. May Jeremy Blatstein, Kate Perez, Kenneth Bare, Susan Post and Garrett O'Dwyer also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.) JUDGE BECK DUBOW: Okay. Thank you. I'm Alice Beck Dubow. I'm Phyllis Beck's daughter. I'm here speaking on behalf of the resolution honoring the life of my mom who recently passed away. I just wanted to start by thanking Councilman Landau for introducing this resolution that honors my mother's life. The admiration that my mother had for Councilwoman Landau was mutual. She was thrilled that Councilwoman Landau was a Beck scholar at Temple Law School, which meant that when Councilwoman Landau ran for City Council we had no choice, we had to vote for Councilwoman Landau, and she was thrilled that she won. I also do want to thank City Council as a whole for considering this resolution. My mom cared deeply about Philadelphia. She cared most deeply about government and politics and City Council. It's what she talked about a lot. Some of you may know I'm married to Rob Dubow, who is the Finance Director. And I think I might have been her special child because Rob and I came to dinner every Sunday night, and the first question out of her mouth was, So, Rob, what's going on in the city? And Rob always had some insight into what was going on. So I just want to thank you so much for considering this. It's really meaningful to me and my brothers and my sisters and her friends and her grandkids because this is an institution that she had tremendous respect for, and we really appreciate your making the effort to pass a resolution regarding her life. So thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you.

Hello, City Council. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. We're talking about two different bills today. The first bill is 240427-AA. It's the nonconformity bill. There's been a lot of pushback. Obviously, 7 out of 10 Districts are against this bill. They've opted out. Why? Because it's going to be a burden on L&I and the ZBA. The ZBA is already backed up. To put this bill in there now is not a good idea. So I challenge each and every one of you to actually take a stand because it's not going to just affect these three districts. It's going to affect the whole city of Philadelphia. It's going to force more properties to go to the ZBA. It is going to put an undue burden on small businesses and on your constituents. So I really, really, really, really do think you should really look at voting no for this bill. It's not something that's just going to affect these three districts, because every time you go to the ZBA, guess what happens? It's going to take three to six months, and it's going to be backed up and it's not going to end well for your constituents. So you can say, oh, I'm going to opt my district out, councilmanic prerogative. Ooh, councilmanic prerogative, we love that. But this is a time where you actually could use the reverse councilmanic prerogative, you At-Large members, and take a stand and let's rework this and figure out how to fix this bill. All right. The last thing we're talking about, we're talking about SEPTA. Raise your hand if you rode SEPTA in the last week. Oh, the glorious City Council President Johnson and me caught the Broad Street Line from Tasker-Morris up to City Hall. (Applause.)

We like to ride the ride. It really is important to fund SEPTA, right. SEPTA is crucial to our city and I really appreciate you this morning riding. And I really think that it's something that should be worked into each of your schedules. Ride it once a week. Ride the ride and let's grow Philly to 2 milli. Thank you.

We have Kate Perez, Kenneth Bare, Susan Post, Garret O'Dwyer. And may David Ford and Michael McDonough also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Kate Perez. Condemning cuts to the Housing and Urban Development Department and asking us to take it a step further and condemn Trump bypassing Congress to bomb Yemen, targeting medical facilities and killing more than 151 civilians in just two days. We have an unelected foreign billionaire gutting fair housing and social programs, forcing Americans to fight for resources instead of taxing the wealthy. During our housing, employment and education crisis, we should also condemn Trump's prior knowledge and more than $12 billion of material support to the occupation's full resumption of its ethnic cleansing campaign on Tuesday, that all comes at the expense of the American taxpayer. Hamas offered to return the hostage for a permanent truce, and our sister city slaughtered more than 970 civilians in just two days, mostly children. Using Google and Amazon's Project Nimbus, the IOF know exactly who was in the building and where making each murder a deliberate choice that our taxes paid for instead of sustaining fair housing in our country. All aid to Gaza has been cut off since March 2nd. Surgeries, intubations and amputations done while patients are wide awake and still Philadelphia has done nothing to stop manufacturers or ports in our city from shipping more missiles and robot dogs. This resolution reaffirms the City's commitment to protect the rights of our most vulnerable residents. Our administration is using AI to comb through social media accounts and using McCarthy-era tactics to label activists and immigrants terrorist sympathizers or gang-affiliated to immediately strip their rights and have ICE detained, deport or disappear people without proof or due process. Protecting our rights means creating more safety nets as the administration continues to tear them down, creating offices to take over their work, enacting rent freezes, sanctuary policies, refusing the presence of ICE, refusing to conflate anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism. We normalize apartheid and genocide by maintaining our sister city's relationship, and Fetterman accepting a silver-plated beeper from an internationally wanted war criminal. Cruelty we send abroad turns inward as Temple admin bring in PPD to surveil Jewish voices for peace. Arms embargo now. Free Palestine. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Kenneth Bare. I'm here on behalf of Bill No. 250221. I'm a member of POWER Interfaith, okay, thank you, which is representing Arch Street United Methodist Church, which is in Councilmember Squilla's District. There are many different housing issues confronting the city, but I am most concerned about making improvements for the homeless and ensuring that they minimally have consistent roofs over their heads. The overall housing action plan for Philadelphia has an impressive series of ways to improve the housing status for those who already have owned or rented residents. The truly homeless have a much smaller array of services. A homeless individual can be provided emergency shelter during extreme cold weather. Their visits to intact or drop-in centers may provide them meals, medical services, showers, laundry, et cetera. Otherwise on a day-today basis, that individual must seek and maybe find shelter at night beneath a bridge, over a grate or in an abandoned building. These transitory, unstable and discouraging settings contribute to stress and worsening physical, mental, behavioral and emotional health. In conclusion, we want to partner with you, Councilmember Squilla, to endeavor to solve these problems. We'll be hosting a town hall in your District this spring, and we hope you'll join us to begin this partnership. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Susan Post. I am reading a testimony on behalf of my friend and neighbor, Ms. Carol Junious over here and she's the mother of Nicole Bartlett who's being honored today with a special resolution for Women's History Month. In her mother's words, Nicole Bartlett is indeed an excellent person to celebrate during this Women's History Month in our city. Her extremely wonderful life and contributions to the people of Philadelphia have been exceptional in many ways. My daughter Nicole was born in Philadelphia and attended Catholic School in Hunting Park, graduating from Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls. She later attended Mercer Community College. From the beginning, Nicole has always been strong in what she believes. She is deeply influenced by her father George Junious, who has recently deceased, to become the woman that she is today. She played an important role in her life -- he did, and they were always very close. While Nicole was a young adult with the passing of her little brother, she chose to become a funeral director and to help those experiencing the loss of loved ones. But her first business venture was a business called Shop and Deliver, delivering food to people at home. God is first in Nicole's life and that's why we are here today, because he has made the path for her to follow and her path has blessed many people. She is raising three children, Jordan, Darren Jr. and Kylie with her husband Darren who is always right there at her side with all that she does. Nicole and Darren and their children work together as a family. They have opened day cares in addition to the funeral home. Beyond all this, they are looking to care for the needs of their community. Nicole's funeral work in particular offers dignity and space for families to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. Her work extends beyond the funeral work to help families in many ways to process grief, which has been so important to the people in her community. She's provided grief classes, insurance classes and assistance and has gotten food and clothing. In fact, Nicole went as far as feeding families at St. Christopher's Hospital for the night. She keeps in touch with families that are still grieving. She started an event around Valentine's Day each year when families can gather letters written to their loved ones in balloons that are released. Everyone in the community has lost someone -- okay. Her father and I, Ms. Carol Junious, have walked with her as she has traveled this road, and we are very proud of her. Nicole, you make our community proud. Keep up the good work. (Applause.)

We have Garret O'Dwyer, David Ford, Michael McDonough. May John Busby, Tess Feiler and Kate Esposito also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning, Council President Johnson and members of City Council. My name is Garrett O'Dwyer and I'm the Associate Policy Director for the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations or PACDC. Thank you for the opportunity to offer testimony and support Resolution 250221, condemning staffing and budget cuts at the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. PACDC is a leading voice in nonprofit community development organizations in Philadelphia and our members are responsible for addressing key affordable housing needs across the city. We know the importance of having an adequately staffed and funded HUD and the important role these professionals play in administrating programs and funding. It is through partnerships with public servants at all levels of government that we have made significant progress towards building a more equitable Philadelphia. We share your outrage at these proposed cuts, they are cruel and they are senseless. Now is the time for strong local leadership to defend our affordable housing gains and protect our most vulnerable and at-risk residents. PACDC and our membership stand ready to work with you to ensure that this work continues whatever may come. Thank you again for the opportunity to testify in support of this resolution. (Applause.)

Good morning. Majority Leader Richardson, members of Council. My name is David Ford and I serve as the Vice-President of External Affairs at the Philadelphia Gas Works. With me today from our management team are Nyisha Chapman and Ken Anderson. We also have -- Mike McDonough's going to be speaking for us in a minute from Local 686, and our Chief of Staff was here a little bit earlier, Melanie McCottry. On behalf of our President and CEO Seth Shapiro who sends his regrets for not being able to attend today, I'm speaking on behalf of PGW to thank Council for recognizing our workers on the occasion of Natural Gas Utility Workers Day. We are deeply appreciative of Councilmember Driscoll, happy birthday, for introducing the resolution and hope to have support of all members of Council. On a personal note this resolution means a lot to me, as I had the privilege of working as a staff member in this body for half of my career for Councilmembers Happy Fernandez and Blondell Reynolds Brown. That history has given me the perspective of how hardworking each and every one of you are on behalf of the citizens of Philadelphia. So knowing how hard you all work, it's tremendously meaningful to PGW employees that you recognize our work on behalf of the 500,000 customers that we have across Philadelphia. Every day the men and women of PGW ensure safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable service for Philadelphians from service visits to our homes and businesses to extraordinary events, like being among the first to arrive at the scene of the recent plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia. PGW employees have efficiently and bravely served the people of Philadelphia since our founding in 1836. I'll close by mentioning one of the main things we are proud of is our work on the behalf of our low-income customers. And thank you to Councilmembers Landau, Brooks, Harrity, Lozada and Bass who have done videos in collaboration with us for LIHEAP, and I think there's a couple more coming in that are in the pipeline. And we have an event next Wednesday the 26th that we're collaborating with Speaker McClinton. Information is on your desks for that. And we also would welcome to collaborate with you any and all times for the people of Philadelphia. Thank you so much for the recognition. ) MS. McDONOUGH: Good morning, Councilwoman Richardson -good morning, Councilwoman Richardson and Council. My name is Mike McDonough. I'm the Vicepresident of the (inaudible) Workers Union Local 686 UWUA. Today I'm joined by my union brothers from the Executive Board, Joe McGarrity, Jesse Gill and Jim Bacon. On behalf of our President Keith Holmes, who cannot be here to attend, and all the hard-working union members of Local 686, we are honored and humbled to receive this recognition by City Council. Thank you, Councilman Driscoll, for introducing the resolution and honoring the natural gas utility workers. And we encourage all members of City Council to please vote yes on this resolution. Local 686 members include our field operations employees working in the streets of Philadelphia, our gas-processing members who refine and deliver the product and our army of customer call center representatives that professionally and efficiently field nearly 1 million service calls every year. Additionally, our union office workers help with distributing over $80 million in social service support to Philadelphians who need assistance.

Our field operations employees proudly built, maintained and restored 6000 miles of natural gas infrastructure, infrastructure that runs our city, heats our homes and businesses and cooks our food, all while keeping Philadelphian safe. Local 686 has been providing these services since our Local's founding in 1937. We are proud that our partnership with PGW Local 686 secured economic stability for generations of families in Philadelphia, throughout good-paying union jobs. We look forward to serving our customers and the City of Philadelphia for years to come. Thank you again. )

We have John Busby, Tess Fieler, Kate Esposito. May Barbara Gurley, Julian Rios and Michael Caine also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Hello, everyone. My name is John Busby. I'm a member of POWER Interfaith, and I want to address Bill No. 250221. Arch Street United Methodist Church is in District 1, Mark Squilla's District. And we would like to invite him to a town hall later in the spring. We want to partner with him. I also work at Arch Street United Methodist Church as a sexton. I deal with homeless our population every day signing people in, and I feel a deep appreciation for their struggles because I myself was homeless nine years ago so I know what it's like. I've been there. So that gives me a unique opportunity to help this population. I'm also concerned with our unhoused people population because homelessness is increasing in the last couple of years and we see many, many more guests every day. We register them into the system. So I know it's a problem and I really am concerned for the homeless population because we're living in a city where affordable housing is going through the roof, in a city that is the most poorest. So please -- it is time to act now. I would also like to invite every Councilmember to come over Monday through Thursday in the morning to see what we're doing over there. It's important work. Thank you. (Applause.)

Hi. My name is Tess Feiler speaking in support of Bill 250221. I'm also a member of POWER Interfaith, representing Arch Street United Methodist Church which is in Councilmember Squilla's District. Arch Street's a nonprofit. The center is a drop-in center providing daytime services to our unhoused, unsheltered neighbors. I'm sure you all see the line outside of the building, either walking by it to or from City Hall. You can literally look out that window right now and see the line coming in for our lunch hour. As a Director of Congregational and Community Development, I'm responsible for advocating on behalf of my congregation and the unhoused folks that I provide case management for every day. We might all know someone who is unhoused. Maybe we were unhoused or got close to it or had we not had family or friends to stay with, we also would have been. I'm actually closer to homelessness than to owning my own home and I earn a full-time salary. I applaud our City Councilmembers advocating for rental assistance and application fee limits and looking into AMIs. I'm also incredibly afraid. Since the Kensington encampment sweeps, we have seen 1000, 1000 new participants. I complete their housing assessments. I help them complete applications to restore their lost or stolen IDs. I sit on the phone with them for 40 minutes their entire session waiting on hold with the County Assistance Office. And I'm here because I need you to reduce and remove barriers to allow our unhoused and unsheltered neighbors to not fall through the cracks, because housing justice is not justice if it isn't justice for everyone. We recently shared some solutions at Council President Johnson's roundtable, and we've invited him to come and take a morning to talk to people and hear their actual stories. And in conclusion, we also want to partner with you, Councilmember Squilla, to try and solve these problems. We'll be hosting a town hall in the District in the spring, and we hope you'll join us to begin this partnership. And I also invite any of you to spend a morning with us and hear directly from your own house constituents who can't get in to testify because their IDs have been stolen or thrown out amid streetsweeps. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning -- good afternoon. My name is Kate Esposito. I am a member of POWER Interfaith. I represent the Philadelphia Ethical Society, which is in Council President Kenyatta Johnson's District. I am deeply concerned about the rising rent costs, property taxes and increased displacement in our city. I've had conversations with several people in my congregation and neighborhood who are also concerned and some of them have experienced homelessness or near homelessness. So I wanted to thank Councilmember Landau for this resolution, 250221, condemning the defunding of HUD which will have a devastating effect on the City's poor and working families who are in desperate need of housing. It is why the City has to step up and do everything possible to solve this housing crisis. In conclusion, we want to partner with Council President Johnson to try and solve these problems. We will be hosting a town hall in his District in the spring at the Salt & Light Church. We hope he'll be joining us to continue this partnership. Of course, the rest of Council is also welcome. Thank you very much for your time. (Applause.)

We have Barbara Gurley and Julian Rios, Michael Caine. May Nicole Bartlett, Darren Bartlett, Reverend Stephanie Evans and Margie Witts also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Hi. My name is Barbara Gurley and I'm a member of POWER Interface representing Old First United Church of Christ, which is in Councilman Squilla's District. I'm deeply concerned about the rising rent costs, property taxes and increased displacement in our city. I've had conversations with people in my congregation and neighborhood and they're concerned too. I lived in my apartment building for almost 36 years. My building was located in West Philly. It was old and had a lot of issues and I could not afford to move. I was hoping to eventually move into senior housing. I'm retired from the City of Philadelphia Library system, and I get a pension and Social Security. I live check-to-check and have almost no savings. May 5, 2024 my apartment building caught fire. My brother was living with me until he got senior housing. I stayed in the Red Cross for three days and my brother went to stay with his friend. My building was condemned. The property owner gave me back May's rent plus utilities. The organization where I volunteer rented a townhouse on a college campus. I could stay until August 1st, until the students returned. The rent at the townhouse was low and I was able to save money to get an apartment. My income is too high for senior housing. There's at least a two-year waiting list. Apartments for rent are online, and I don't have the computer skills to fill that out so I had held filling out the applications, including scanning my signature. The only apartment was available to rent by August 1st was a studio in Germantown. It was the only apartment I could afford in that building. Thank you. (Applause.)

Buenos dias, Good morning, Councilmembers. My name is Julian Rios. I am the Bilingual Collective Impact Coordinator at Ceiba, a coalition building organization in Philadelphia's Latino community, and the backbone to the Latino Equitable Development Collective. We applaud City Council for considering Resolution 250221, calling attention to and seeking to stop the devastating cuts to staffing and funding at HUD. These cuts will worsen Philadelphia's affordable housing crisis and disproportionately harm vulnerable communities. We want to take advantage of this opportunity to also applaud City Council for working with the Mayor on the Housing Opportunities Made Easy Initiative. The cuts in HUD staffing and funding highlight the importance of putting together a strong home initiative. We also urge you to keep enhancing Philadelphia's capacity to produce affordable housing by reforming the Philadelphia Land Bank and by supporting our community development corporations. CDC is our community-based agents of change that address the challenges of affordable housing in many ways, not just through brickand-mortar work. Muchos gracias for the opportunity to speak with you today and for keeping the dream of affordable housing alive for many people in Philadelphia. (Applause.)

Good afternoon. My name is Michael Caine. I am also from POWER. I'm actually the Board Co-chair of POWER, the largest interfaith organizing effort in Pennsylvania and I'm the pastor at Old First Reformed United Church of Christ. In 1986, the Mayor asked congregations to open their doors to homeless folks because the City didn't have enough beds. We were the first congregation to do it. We did it all the way through until two years ago when we started building Old First House, permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless people. We're about ready to welcome the first residents in. We've done that with the help of Councilman Squilla, funding from the City and the federal government. We're very, very thankful for that. But we know that 34 apartments isn't going to make the kind of difference we need in this city with our homeless folks. I decided because of our affordable housing campaign of POWER that I was going to begin speaking to the homeless people that we serve each week about the issues in their housing, and the stories are all over the place with all kinds of difficulties. The one I want to tell you today is just to give you a flavor of what it's like on the street. So there's a woman named Stephanie that has been coming to us for years, was homeless for years, finally got a house. It's government funding for a private apartment, but the building wasn't in very good shape. Last week there was a fire there. Stephanie can't go back, kind of like my parishioner Barbara's story. There was a fire there, in part because the building's not kept very well and the doors don't lock, and so people also looking for home come in. Now, the City's come in and realize there's all kinds of funding -- all kinds of issues with the building so it can't open. Stephanie is a transwoman who doesn't find herself safe in shelters and she's now back on the streets. We're going to be having a meeting with Councilman Squilla and we hope to keep working with our Councilman and all the Council to solve this problem. Thank you. (Applause.)

We have Nicole Bartlett, Darren Bartlett, Reverend Stephanie Evans, Margie Witts. And may Zha Dadson, Bianca Solari and Elaine Gonzalez Johnson also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Reverend Stephanie Evans.

My name is Margie Witts.

And we're here on behalf to speak and honor Nicole Bartlett, who we've known since she was a child and grew up in the neighborhood, and has exceeded beyond our wildest dreams all her achievements. Nicole and my daughter grew up together, Dr. Ayeesha Adolphus and Nicole have really come -- in Philadelphia, been an asset and been valuable to the city and the improvement of the city. Nicole served as a beacon of hope for grieving families in the Nicetown, Logan, Germantown, Huntington Park areas and beyond. Nicole assists families beyond homegoing services. Her ministry has allowed families to grieve with grace. That is a genuine social responsibility and accountability. She's building generational wealth in the community and a legacy for her own children. She's creating a piece of Wall Street right here in the 4400 block of North Germantown Avenue -- Councilwoman Cindy Bass, pay attention. She's a wife, mother, sister, beautiful daughter, a compassionate visionary and a savvy business woman, community liaison for the betterment of family, friends and community. She's example of the Philadelphia sisterly brotherly love -- sisterly affection and brotherly love. And she is a woman history-maker here in Philadelphia in March of 2025. I'm just going to leave you with a scripture partially of Proverbs 31 Woman. I'm not going to read the whole thing, but this is so Nicole: She brings her food from afar. She also arises while it is yet night, and she provides food for her household and a portion for her maid service. She considers a field and buys it; from her profit she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength and strengthen her arms. She perceives that her merchant is good and her lamp does not go out at night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She extends her hands to the poor. Yes, she reaches out for the hands of the needy. She is not afraid of snow for our household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself. Her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates. She makes linen and garments and she sells them. She shall rejoice in the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tone is the law of kindness. She watches over her ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also and praises her. Many daughters have done well but she excels them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing. But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of her fruit of her hands and let her own works praise her in the gates and in the city of Philadelphia.

Amen. (Applause.)

Good morning, everyone. My name is Zha Dadson, but many know me as Coach Zha. I'm a mother of two, a Nike trainer, certified Pilates instructor and lifelong advocate of wellness. Movement has been at my heart. Movement has been at the heart of my journey, not just as a passion but as a means of empowerment, healing and community. Standing here today receiving this resolution from the city that raised me is a fullcircle moment. I was born and raised in West Philadelphia where my journey and movement began at 8 years old at Point Breeze Performing Arts Dance Center. Dance led me to the Creative and Performing Arts High School. And from there, I went to Spelman College where I studied Comparative Women's Studies, an experience that deepened my understanding of representation in the spaces where we deserve to take up. For a long time, I believe success meant leaving. I pursued a career in creative production, working in brands like Nike, Ogilvy, Kamp Grizzly and Westbrook. And while living in New York City, I trained for the New York City Marathon, a journey that led me to start run clubs in Brooklyn and Oregon, creating space for those often overlooked in fitness. But despite all of that, it wasn't until I returned to Philadelphia, became a mother and truly stepped into my calling that I realized what fulfillment actually meant. Through Coach Zha Pilates Club and Wellness Crawl, my mission has been to disrupt the norms of wellness, ensuring that Black women and men feel seen, supported and limitless. Whether in a Pilates studio, a solid core class, a wellness retreat in Ghana, West Africa or a citywide event, my goal is the same, to build community, access and empowerment through movement. Toni Morrison once said, Your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else. That is the heart of my work, to create space where it didn't exist, to lift as I climb and to make sure that wellness is not just a privilege but a right. I wouldn't be here today without the people who have shaped me. To my mother who is here with me today, thank you for showing me resilience and for always believing in me. To my children, you are my greatest motivation, my reason for pushing forward and for my daily reminder of what that truly means. And to Philadelphia, thank you for giving me the ambition and the dream to the foundation to make those dreams a reality. The City has given me the best chapters of my life and I'm honored to give back to it. And to anyone who has ever felt like success was out of reach, like the space you deserve didn't exist, let this be your reminder that you don't have to wait for permission. Create it, claim it, you belong here. To those pushing for change in their own way, keep going, your work matters. Thank you to Quetcy Lozada and the City of Philadelphia for this honor. Thank, y'all. (Applause.)

Good morning, everyone. Thank you so much for having me. Councilwoman Lozada, I'm truly grateful and honored to have the opportunity to share about my journey and the work we're doing at Philly Girls Who Walk. My name is Bianca Solari, and I've been living in Philadelphia for the past nine years. When I first moved to this city, I was passionate about participating in group fitness classes as a way to not only stay healthy but to meet new people who have since turned into lifelong friends. Despite my love for fitness, I still struggled with unhealthy habits and battled with my mental health. In November of 2021, I made the decision to embrace sobriety. This wasn't just a shift in my lifestyle, it was a complete transformation that allowed for a new life and led to creating Philly Girls Who Walk in May of 2022. What started as an idea for a healthy, free activity for me and my friends has blossomed into something much more. What began with a few walks around the city has turned into a thriving community. And since then, we've expanded into book clubs, social events and more. We also partner with local gyms and businesses to offer opportunities for our members to try new activities and explore ways to enhance their physical and mental health. We're more than just a walking group. Philly Girls Who Walk has become a space where women can support each other and inspire each other to live their most authentic lives. The connections we make along the way are invaluable, and they remind me every day that we are all in this together. While I run this group alone, I am nothing without the support of my friends and the businesses and the people who believe in our mission, especially Councilwoman Lozada, thank you so much. And together, we are creating a healthier, more connected Philadelphia one step at a time. Thank you. (Applause.)

We have Elaine Gonzalez. May David Alexander Jenkins, Haley Ann Schiller, Adam Mazeika, Jared Marxuach and Matt Carrieri also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning, everyone. My name is Elaine Gonzalez Johnson, and I'm here to discuss the resolution proposed by the amazing Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada, honoring and recognizing women in the city of Philadelphia who are leading impacting initiatives in health, wellness and fitness. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I want to remind you of one of the most powerful things we can do as women, prioritize our wellness. This is why I created Latinas in Motion, a community where women of color, specifically Latinas, could prioritize wellness, supporting each other in health and sisterhood. This is why I also launched the Crown and Grace Women's Ministry at Response to Grace Church to give women a space to nourish their faith, build community and grow spiritually. This is also why I'm the host of the Mogul Mami Podcast, where I share tips and tools about achieving whole life success and creating harmony. With every single thing that I do and being exactly who I am, I am often told that I do too much. But I'm here to remind every woman in this room, keep taking up space. We are created with so much purpose. We have talent, skills, gifts and God-given anointing. It's our responsibility to use every single thing God has given us. And here is what I know for sure, wellness isn't just physical. It's about finding balance in every single season of our lives. This month let's honor the women who have came before us by taking care of ourselves, standing in our power and reminding each other that we are worthy of health, we are worthy of joy and we are worthy of peace. Because when we thrive as women, our families thrive, our communities thrive, and we truly change the world. (Applause.)

Thank you, Madam Chair. David Alexander Jenkins. I arrive in favor of the resolution introduced by Councilmember Landau, condemning our dear leader for reprehensible actions concerning housing and urban development. Philadelphia, we are under attack. A war on our communities has begun slashing funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, an institution borne out of the weary years and silent tears of all of us, which was created to ensure every American has a safe and affordable housing. We declare and defend that we in Philadelphia are not comfortable leaving working families, seniors and most vulnerable people out in the cold and that we are a city where Housing Authority provides 12,850 public housing units and where an additional 22,600 families receive housing vouchers, a city where approximately 800,000 neighbors reside in housing owned and supported by the PHA, a city that still has a population of 5000 unhoused residents. We declare again and again and again from this very chamber that with a resounding voice that housing, Mr. Trump, is not a privilege. It is a right. It was Lyndon B. Johnson who founded HUD as a part of his great society, a vision for America where economic and radical inclusion recognized a historically and systematically marginalized nation. Some 60-short years on we are fed a pervasive lie, one that dishonors the dignity of the marginalized one who, for many of us, whose ancestors were stolen, beaten, enslaved or running away from tyranny, built this very nation a lie bound to the idea that in some way, shape or form, we are made better by this root mislabeled, misrepresented as efficiency. No, make no mistake, this is not efficiency. This is a calculated act of cruelty, one that will gut our communities, displace our families, and escalate the housing crisis already gripping our city to levels unprecedented. No, no, no, this is not efficiency unless you a spell efficiency, e-v-i-c-t-i-o-n, because this is an eviction by design. It is not lost on me nor should it be lost on you that we wake up in a city in America promised forged the city upon a hill, a beacon of justice, equality of opportunity, a city that is no stranger to the resistance, that the city not stand idly by the time where our rights and the people that we represent have rights which are stripped away. So I applaud Councilman Landau and I stand ten toes down with her as she calls upon every Philadelphian, every advocate, every worker, every neighbor to rise up with arms arming themselves for the fortitude necessary to face this war, rejecting the policies that defy of, by and for the people. (Applause.)

Hello. My name is Halcyone Schiller. I'm here to speak in support of the resolution for the PMA or the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I'd like to thank Councilmember Thomas for bringing that resolution here today at the museum. I work as a conservation technician for gallery maintenance, but I also serve as President of Local 397 which is the union that represents cultural workers in Philadelphia. Some of you in City Council might recognize me from the productive conversations we had last spring regarding the museum's resistance to applying the longevity pay that we fought hard and won in our first contract, a contract that we had to strike for three weeks to win. Unfortunately, longevity pay was just our most visible battle. Over the life of our first contract, we have had 49 grievances and several unfair labor practices filed, 27 of which have had a financial component. The museum has actively and continuously engaged in anti-union techniques, frequently acting as though we do not have a union or a contract at all. With me today I have four of my fellow employees and proud union members. You will hear from them about how much of a service the Philadelphia Museum of Art provides to the community and how union members are the ones making that happen. You will also hear about how working at the museum is not sustainable for people attempting to live and participate in the community of Philadelphia. The City currently provides ample funding to the museum. The PMA pays a single dollar in rent every year. Cultural institutions are more in need of support than ever and civic funding is greatly felt and appreciated, but supporting the arts means supporting the workers who make the arts function. As we enter negotiations for our second contract, we ask City Council to question the use of resources at the museum. The union would love to have more peaceful negotiations than we did last time, but the museum's actions thus far have given us little confidence in that being a reality. Thank you. (Applause.)

Hello. My name is Adam Mazeika. I'm a proud union member and the recording secretary of Local 397. I'm here to speak in support of the resolution put forth by Councilmember Thomas. Thank you, Council and Councilmember Thomas for supporting workers and our union. I work at the PMA as a visitor services assistant, VSA, for short. This position is the most front-facing at the museum. We are the first staff members that visitors interact with when they enter the museum, and we play an essential role in the day-to-day operations. Daily VSAs interact with anywhere from dozens to hundreds of visitors. Yearly the museum attracts an average of 800,000 visitors, including school groups, tourists from around the world, Philadelphia residents, worldfamous celebrities, athletes, Make a Wish families, museum for all cardholders and the Philly Fanatic. Yet the stewards of this institution do not feel that they need to offer their staff, the very people that represent the face of the PMA, basic respect or sustainable wages. I was hired in the fall of 2021 as a VSA at $11.50 an hour. It took a historic three-week strike to raise the minimum pay rate at the PMA to 16.75 an hour. A starting yearly salary for VSA is $30,485, 27% lower than budget class median as compared to other institutions of similar size and location. These are poverty wages paid to staff at one of the most prestigious museums in the country. I watched the department almost completely turn over with new staff more times than I can count as my colleagues leave for higher-pay positions, often outside of the PMA. This constant turnover directly impacts the visitor experience. Management cannot retain passionate staff and institutional knowledge is lost. I love my job and I care about our visitors. I can't afford to make a career at the PMA. (Applause.)

Hello. My name is Jared Marxuach, and I'm an audio visual technician at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A large part of why this position was attractive to me was the fact that it is a union job. I moved to Philadelphia with my wife in 2023 from Texas where unions are constantly weakened by the state government. And I have become enamored with the city of Philadelphia in all of its facets, partly because union labor and working people thrive here and are actually represented by their city government. Since working at the PMA, I have become extremely proud of the work that I do. My job includes installing audio visual artwork for the people of this city to enjoy as well as setting up and operating sound lighting and projection systems for public programs such as our Pay What You Wish Family Festivals that serve thousands of children in this city every year, Friday Night Lounge and our recent Women's History Month celebration and countless other events that have great cultural value to the city and its residents. I'm so proud to be able to help provide this cultural value to the city and I would love to make a long-term career out of doing this. But at the moment, this looks like an unsustainable option because of comically-low wages, inconvenient and expensive benefit options, lack of career trajectory and near-constant hostility for management toward the union and its members. For this reason, I call on City Council to support Councilmember Thomas' resolution. Thank you, Councilmember Thomas, for your support and thank you to the Council for your time. (Applause.)

We have Matt Carrieri, John McMillan. May Lynn Landes and David Weisberg also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

My name is Matthew Carrieri, and I'm here to speak on the support of the PMA resolution. I work at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Conservation Department and I'm a member of AFSCME Local 397. I've been at the Museum since 2017 and have lived in Philadelphia since 2012. My team at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a patchwork of five part-time employees. At least two to three members of our team are working Monday through Friday because there is enough work to warrant it. Instead of hiring us as full-time employees, the museum is choosing to keep us part-time barring us from medical benefits and forcing several of us to take on other jobs. Because there are no health care options for me at the museum, I get my health care through Pennsylvania State System, Pennie. As wealthy of an institution as the PMA is, there's no reason it shouldn't be providing more full-time, stable employment as well as health care benefits for its employees. I'm calling on Councilmembers to hold the PMA Board of Trustees and the administration responsible for their financial decisions. Thank you, Councilmember Thomas, for inviting us to speak. (Applause.) MR. McMILLAN: Hello, City Council. And thank you, Councilman Thomas, for introducing the resolution on our behalf today. My name is John McMillan and I work in the Events Department at the PMA, and I'm also a steward in the museum's union. If you've ever been to a concert on a Friday night, I find the musical talent for that event. It's an important event for many up-and-coming Philadelphia artists, and I'm very proud of the diverse talent that we invite to perform in one of the most beautiful public spaces in Philadelphia. I've been with the museum for nearly 12 years. And unfortunately, the relationship between staff and management has never been so hostile. Our management has taken an adversarial approach to its workforce, breaking its contract with the union daily. I started my career at the museum in the Visitor Services Department. My colleagues in Visitor Services are the poorest paid and poorest treated people at the museum. Over the last six months, their managers have started denying staff their earned paid time off. It's hard enough to make ends meet and this denial of pay is negatively impacting employees financially and emotionally. These denials are in violation of our collective bargaining agreement and will lead to labor arbitration and thousands of dollars in legal fees for the museum. This is not a prudent use of the museum's limited resources. We ask that the Council pass Councilman Thomas' resolution. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)